Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Stew! Imagine tender chunks of beef simmering in a rich, aromatic broth infused with red wine, garlic, and vibrant vegetables. This hearty dish not only warms the soul but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your family and friends with this comforting classic that practically cooks itself!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck and cut into 1-inch cubes. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
- Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. This step adds significant flavor to the stew. Transfer browned meat to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Deglaze the skillet with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Add chopped carrots, diced tomatoes, remaining oregano, and any additional salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is extremely tender and easily falls apart.
- About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The stew should have a rich, deep flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the beef cubes in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the stew’s flavor profile, creating a rich, savory base.
- Quality Ingredients: Use a good quality red wine for deglazing the skillet. The wine not only adds depth but also helps to tenderize the beef as it cooks.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes for extra heartiness. Just remember to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Season Gradually: Taste the stew about 30 minutes before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes, a little extra salt or a pinch of fresh herbs can elevate the dish to new heights.
- Serve with Style: This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. Consider serving it with a side salad for a complete Mediterranean experience.
- Make Ahead: This stew is perfect for meal prep! It can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
